Forgotten Gem: Lake Mungo (***1/2) is buried deep
For those who are patient enough to hang back, the end result is solid enough. Especially if one likes details.
Shudder’s Tailgate (****) what happens when you don’t let your wife drive
Most women, whether on a bicycle, or a motored device, don’t get into road rage situations. They have no need to express themselves on the freeway.
Terrified (****1/2) is an effective scare
We are not outside of the danger. It’s there waiting for us.
Train To Busan presents: Peninsula (***) Mad Max for the Dead set
This is an enjoyable film, even if every single moment is telegraphed.
Netflix’ The Call (****) is a nice thriller
Park and Jeon do an excellent job of shifting the emotional landscape.
The Man From Nowhere (*****) Supernova
If you see only one more action film, let this be it.
Criterion: Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo (***): Feels like number 20
It’s not a disappointing film. It’s just not memorable either.
Criterion: Samurai Rebellion (****1/2): Receive the wife, free the wife
For those worried that Mifune’s film quality might recede without his great collaborator, this is exhibit D (The Samurai Trilogy being A, B and C) that his instincts were good.
The Lives of Others (*****) …for a good man
This is one of the better films of the last 20 years. It only took me 14 years to see it.
Criterion: The Sword of Doom (***) doesn’t land flush
A weak third act tears down the momentum of what could be a classic film.
Criterion: Red Beard(****) -Kurosawa’s Last with Mifune
This is not Kurosawa’s best work. In many ways, it is a film of its time. Much of Kurosawa’s work is more of the timeless quality. This feels like something one might have seen from some of the better television dramas of the 1960’s. For that, it is still worth our time.
Criterion: High and Low (****) Parasite from the age of the morality play
The director’s master of wide screen is such an art by this point that it feels like an entirely different story is being told for long, wordless passages.
Criterion: Yojimbo and Sanjuro – The Masters at play (****1/2)
It’s a pleasant consequence of having the skill to turn above average into the unforgettable. These films should not be important bedrock films. Yet here they are, standing head and shoulders above, almost 60 years later.
Criterion: The Bad Sleep Well (****1/2) Pigs on the Wing
Like anything Kurosawa does by now, it’s completely worthwhile and a keeper for the memory book. No one has better control of the images one sees through lighting, angles and dialogue. He controls the mood of the viewer at his whim. It’s hard to imagine a better film maker from his time.
Criterion: Muhomatsu, the Rickshaw Man (****) – Life in your own lane
See this film if you want to smile, but don’t expect to go away with the idea that stoicism is easy. Even if Mifune makes it seem that way.
Criterion: The Hidden Fortress (****) Gold in the wood
This is a good film, with some wonderful elements. Even if it is a bit too indulgent with wackiness, the story and Kurosawa’s eloquent use of wide screen are worth repeated viewings.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 